He seemed to have all the right documents. He told her about a big work contract, just a temporary cash flow problem. She even asked her church to pray for him.
The Scam
A 70-year-old widow in North Texas lost $75,000 after building an online relationship with a man who convinced her he needed a loan while waiting to close a major work contract. She later described the scheme as thoroughly documented and convincing, saying she didn't consider herself an easy target but had been drawn in gradually over weeks of communication.
Uncovering the Ring
The Colleyville Police Department began investigating after a UPS store employee reported an elderly customer repeatedly shipping packages of cash to various addresses in 2019. The investigation revealed a crime ring based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area that laundered scam proceeds, made purchases, and moved funds on behalf of scammers targeting elderly widows and widowers through fabricated online relationships.
The Scale
Investigators identified more than two dozen victims and traced over $1 million in stolen funds moving from North Texas to Nigeria, with additional transfers to Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. Ifeanyichukwu Obi, identified as the ringleader of the group known as "Yahoo Boys," was found to have transferred $1.3 million in stolen funds to Nigeria and used some of it to purchase vehicles.
Sentencing
Obi was sentenced to 20 years in prison. The Tarrant County District Attorney's Office has continued pursuing charges against three other indicted individuals connected to the operation.
FAQ
How much money was involved in this scam ring?
Investigators traced over $1 million in stolen funds from more than two dozen identified victims.
What sentence did the ringleader receive?
Ifeanyichukwu Obi was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
How was the ring uncovered?
A UPS store employee reported suspicious repeated cash shipments from an elderly customer, prompting a police investigation.